[CyrusTheVirus]

Hi all, I'm new here and a 3ds Max 7 user. I've been introduced to LightWave and planning have a go at it. I'm planning on doing a LightWave course and it costs around $11,000.00! Dunno if I can make the tuition costs but can someone who ever did 3d modelling of aircraft show me some pointers? Is it the same as 3DS Max?

[Mark]

You'll find LightWave takes a little getting used to as its workflow is somewhat different to Max (the separation between the modeller any layout apps immediately springs to mind), but the principles of modelling and texturing you will be familiar with are general principles anyway, so the transition shouldn't be too great.

As with any 3D application, spend some time first getting familiar with it. Read the manuals (dull though they may be) and invest in a copy of Dan Ablan's 'Inside Lightwave' book - it's the most complete addition to the manual you can get.

You can also check out some of the video tutorials here on the site - try some of the free ones first to get yourself used to the workflow. Then move on to some of the more in-depth ones - Philip's Stratocaster tutorial is an excellent one to start with as are David's Mech series tutes.

If you have specific questions/issues, then a post here generally elicits a helpful response (we're a friendly bunch see?).

Whatever route you take, good luck with Lightwave, and welcome to the boards...

[CyrusTheVirus]

Thanks. I'll do that.